But I can’t let the day pass without commenting on the Prime
Minister’s speech delivered at the UN yesterday. And on the man who delivered
it. These comments will undoubtedly generate a variety of responses, mostly
negative, from people who have very different views about him. But this is how
I feel. So here goes.
Israel has never had a leader as eloquent as its current
Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. This was once again made abundantly clear
by the speech he delivered at the UN, yesterday. Regardless of how one feels
about him (and yes, I know there is a lot of hatred out there for a variety of
reasons, some legitimate and some not so legitimate) his eloquence is one thing
you cannot take away from him. I doubt the next Prime Minister will have the
same gift of speech that Netanyahu possesses.
Some may say that eloquence is not the most important
quality required of a successful leader. This is certainly true. More important
is competence in leading a country in both war and peace; ensuring that all
citizens are afforded basic human rights and privileges equally; making sure
the economy thrives; and conducting foreign relations in ways that benefit the
country globally. And perhaps there are a few more things that are more
important than eloquence.
But the value of that part of a leader’s résumé should not
be underestimated. Articulating one’s values and priorities in a positive way,
so that there can be no misunderstanding about the country’s national ethos, is
not something to be sneezed at. Especially when so many people are willing to
believe antisemitic lies. And nobody does THAT better than Netanyahu.
Yesterday was a master class—a tour de force - reminiscent
of Churchill, as one headline in an online Jewish publication described it - in
delivering the truth to doubters. The worst of whom walked out before he even
began speaking, in what seemed like a mass exodus from the UN chamber.
They were not interested in hearing the truth. Especially
from a Jew as hated as Netanyahu. It doesn’t matter that what he said is true.
They will NOT hear it. They will continue to believe their lies because THAT
suits their politics or their religious ideology.
Nonetheless, Netanyahu spelled out in great detail why the
world’s view of Israel is so warped.
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